34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your innermost being too.”
Reflection
Simeon was righteous and devout. What’s more, the Holy spirit rested on him. Like many jews, he eagerly waited for the restoration of Israel. But unlike most Jews, the Holy Spirit revealed to him that he wouldn’t die before seeing it come about.
And now that moment had come. Imagine the excitement he must have felt. But he also knew he had to tell Jesus’ parents, the truth, and some hard truth.
Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple area where, Jesus’ parents brought the child to the temple. They needed to do the things required under the Law. Simeon prayed, “You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples. It’s a light for revelation to the Gentiles and a glory for your people Israel.”
Joseph and Mary were amazed by what was said about Jesus. But I don’t think they were ready for what Simeon told Mary a moment later.
“This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed,” said Simeon, and to Mary he said. “And a sword will pierce your innermost being too.”
Salvation for all—if we let him. But Jesus would also be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel. Jesus would also be the cause to generate opposition. And also, pain. He told Mary a sword would pierce her innermost being too. Not words a mother wants to hear about one of her children. But that is the cost of salvation—our salvation. Praise God.
by Rick Reed
For Pondering and Prayer
Imagine you are Simeon. All his life he had been waiting, waiting for the Savior of the world. And now he has seen him, and he is ready to go home, to heaven.
I’m guessing he was pretty old, but I imagine he might want to do cartwheels and high fives and anything celebratory. But he also had to tell Mary what her son would do. And that it would break her heart.
Prayer: Lord, let us embrace the pain but help us to remember the final outcome—we are one with Christ and in his name we pray. Amen.